When a big rainstorm hits your area, there is always the possibility of flooding. Flooding can cause extreme damage to your home that is very expensive to fix. Most home insurance policies also do not cover flood damage, and you have to buy a separate policy. That is why you have to do what it takes to protect your home against flooding. Here are some important steps in making your home floodproof.
Fix Leaks Soon
Do you have any leaks in your house? If the answer is yes, you need to cover them up immediately. If there are leaks on your roof or foundation, water can easily get inside your home and wreak havoc. Do a thorough check around the edge of the roof and gutters to check for any cracks, missing shingles or holes. Another thing you can do is add extra protection for your roof. It is definitely worth spending the extra money to protect your house from flooding. If you install a rubber roof underlayment, water is a lot less likely to get in your house.
Move Your Valuable Items to a Safe Location
It is very important to move your most valuable items to a safe location in your house that is less likely to get flooded. For example, you can move your jewelry, artwork, and photographs up in the attic. If you do this, your most valuable items will not get damaged in the event of a flood.
Close Up Cracks in Your Foundation
If there are cracks in your foundation, you have to close them up soon. You can close them up pretty nicely with masonry caulk, or hydraulic cement. If you take the time to close up cracks in your foundation, you are less likely to experience flooding problems in the basement and around the wood in the base of your home.
Clean Out Your Gutters
When was the last time you cleaned out your gutters? If it has been a while, it is time to get them cleaned. It will not take much time and will be worth the effort. The gutters are a very important part of the home’s drainage system and can reduce the chance of flooding when clear of debris.
If you follow these tips, you will be able to protect your home and possessions against flooding. If you do experience some damage after a flood, you need to call your insurance company right away. If you have a flood policy, you may get compensated for the damaged items. Be sure to take photos of the damage and make a list of the damaged or lost items. If your basement cement is water damaged you may want to call a service master cleaning professional to get residual dampness out and seal against rot.
